Guides & JournalBuying a Used PS4 or PS5 in Pakistan: Checklist
To check a used PS4 or PS5 before buying, match the serial number on the console with the box, play a game for at least ten minutes to listen for fan noise and heat, test the disc drive, check the controller for drift, make sure the HDMI port is firm, and sign in to PlayStation Network to confirm the console is not banned. In Pakistan far more people search for a used PS4 than a used PS5, and a console that looks perfect can still hide an expensive fault. The same checks work, with small changes, for a used Xbox or Nintendo Switch.
1. Match the serial number
The serial number is printed on the console's label and on the box, and it is also shown in Settings → System → System Software (PS5). All three should match. A console with no box, or a box with a different serial, needs more questions about where it came from.
2. Play it — don't just switch it on
Many faults only appear once the console warms up. Ask to play an actual game for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Fan noise — some fan sound is normal; a loud jet-engine roar or rattling is not.
- Heat — the console should be warm, not too hot to touch; overheating may mean it needs cleaning or has a fault.
- Crashes or freezes — a console that shuts down during play is a clear no.
- Picture — look for flickering, lines or "no signal" drop-outs, which can point to a damaged HDMI port.
3. Disc drive and storage
If it is a disc edition, bring a game disc and check it loads and ejects smoothly without grinding. On a PS5, check the free storage in Settings → Storage; on older PS4s, a slow or noisy hard drive is a common weak point.
Ask whether the console has ever been opened. A broken warranty sticker or scratched screws suggest it has been repaired.
4. The controller
Controller problems are the most common issue with used consoles, and a new controller is not cheap.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Stick drift | In a game or the settings menu, let go of both sticks — the cursor or camera should not move by itself |
| Buttons and triggers | Every button clicks; on a PS5, the adaptive triggers push back in games that use them |
| Battery | It should hold charge — ask how long it lasts |
| Charging port | Charges with the cable without wiggling |
| Is it original? | Copies are common — check the build quality and that it pairs properly |
5. Can it still go online?
A console can be banned from PlayStation Network, which means no online play, no store and no updates. Sign in to your own account (or ask the seller to) and check you can connect and see the PlayStation Store. Ask the seller to remove their account from the console and deactivate it as their primary console before you pay.
For an Xbox, check it signs in to Xbox network; for a Nintendo Switch, check it connects to the eShop and that it has not been modified — a modified ("jailbroken") Switch can be banned.
⚠️ Careful here
A console that the seller says "just needs an update" but won't connect in front of you may be banned. Don't take the risk.
6. What's included and games
Check what comes with the console: power cable, HDMI cable, controller(s) and any stand. Games on the seller's account do not transfer to you — only physical discs and games on your own account are yours. If a listing includes "games installed", ask how you will keep access to them.
Used PS4 and PS5 games
Used PS4 games are one of the most searched second-hand items for consoles, and a good way to save money. Check each disc for deep scratches or cracks, make sure the case matches the game, and ask to see it load before paying.
Most PS4 games also play on a PS5 — as long as the PS5 has a disc drive for disc games. PS5 games do not play on a PS4, so check which console a game is for before you buy.
7. Is the price fair?
Compare with other used consoles of the same model (PS5 disc or digital, slim or original, PS5 Pro; PS4 slim or Pro), with the same number of controllers and the box. Used Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch prices in Pakistan vary in the same way.
A console far below the going rate is often banned, repaired, missing parts or not what it seems.
8. Paying safely
Test first, pay after. Online, use a platform that protects your payment rather than an advance to a stranger — on dapxop, advances are paid to dapxop and checked before an order goes to the seller, and you can report a problem after delivery. See the complete guide to buying used electronics in Pakistan for phones, laptops and gadgets.
More guides in this series: How to Check a Used Laptop Before Buying and Buying Used AirPods, Smart Watches & Gadgets.
Shop small sellers across Pakistan with the condition stated on every listing.
Browse dapxop →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
How do I check a used PS5 before buying?
Match the serial number on the console, box and settings, play a game for 10–15 minutes to check fan noise and heat, test the disc drive, check the controller for stick drift, and sign in to PlayStation Network to make sure it is not banned.
What is controller drift?
Drift is when the controller's analogue stick moves the camera or cursor by itself without being touched. It is common on used controllers and needs a repair or a new controller.
How can I tell if a PS5 is banned?
Sign in to a PlayStation Network account on it and try to open the PlayStation Store or play online. A banned console cannot connect to PSN.
Do the seller's games come with a used PS5?
Only physical disc games. Digital games belong to the seller's account and stop working for you once their account is removed.
Should I buy a used PS4 or PS5 in Pakistan?
A PS5 plays the newest games and will be supported longer; a used PS4 is much cheaper and still has a huge library. Check either one the same way before buying.
Can I play used PS4 games on a PS5?
Most PS4 games play on a PS5. Disc games need a PS5 with a disc drive. PS5 games do not work on a PS4.